Going off to college, meeting new people, and finding your interests are all amazing things that are a part of the world after high school graduation. Along with all the good things, come some more concerning things like paying tuition, being homesick, but more importantly, keeping your faith, if you even have one to begin with. Here are five great ways to keep your faith while still having a great time at college!
1. Find a religious group or club that suits your needs.
There are plenty of groups for students to get involved in. By joining one, you are gaining so many benefits you probably failed to realize that you have. For example, Longwood has Catholic Campus Ministry, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and Young Life. Those are just naming a few. Joining clubs and groups such as these provide you with an atmosphere of peers who share similar views as you when it comes to faith. It gives you a support network, but most of all, you get to meet even more new people.
2. Find your local church that serves to your denomination.
Finding a church is not an easy task to handle, but it can make keeping your faith much easier. By surrounding yourself with the opportunity of attending mass or service, you'll stay closer to God in whatever relationship you may have with him. If there isn't a church that appeals to your denomination or religion, maybe try a new one that may share similar views or practices, or there may be the possibility of an interfaith service held be a local parish.
3. Pray!
Simply put, don't forget to talk to God or the higher power that you believe in. Prayer and/or meditation are key factors in strengthening your relationship and connection to your religion, as well as keeping an open conversation with whatever being you choose to believe in and worship. Doing these can assist with reflection as well as personal and spiritual growth. After all, isn't college a place to learn and grow?
4. Don't be shy about sharing and owning your faith!
Having a faith life and some type of religious association is nothing to be shy or ashamed about. Be proud of who you are and what you believe in. In the same way that you own your favorite pair of jeans every time you wear them, own your faith and share ii with the world. Who knows, you may find someone who has the exact same faith as you, and this is just another door way to making brand new connections and friendships.
5. Do not be afraid to find a new faith.
If you grew up with a forced faith or no faith at all, do not let that turn you off to the idea completely. Take the time to explore different faiths or religions and see what they are all about. See if any of them cater to your needs, values, opinions, and ideals. While doing this, you will learn about others and why they do what they do, but you will also learn about yourself. That can be the most rewarding experience of them all.
